Chapter 21 - Aderdhad

Red. Red covered my hands, ran along the floor and splattered the walls. Iron on my tongue. Warmth on skin. My grip on the handle of my axe tightened. Disgust at myself roiled in my chest, churning my stomach to vomit inducing levels. I looked around me at the once familiar room, familiar faces, the guild hall in Mithlond where once my sisters and I played our instruments as the elves danced 'Strip The Willow' and 'Dashing White Sergeant'. So quiet now, save for the drip…drip…drip. Red. So red. I wanted to scream, cry out for help, but my lips wouldn't part to let the sound escape. Something inherently dark loomed behind me. My skin crawled and my spine shivered. I swirled around to face it and all went black.

'A nightmare. Just a nightmare…I would rather face the void where Melkor dwelt than have another nightmare like this…Eru save me…'

x x x

Glenys' excited cheers echoed throughout the valley of Imladris when we arrived. We had wrapped up everything in Greenwood quickly and efficiently. We approved and corrected the official reports, spoke to the family of the deceased elleth offering our condolences and we thanked those soldiers who had volunteered to come East. Volunteered, none of them had been ordered. I had thanked Darr for his warning and solidified a friendship with Greenwood I hoped would stand us in good stead in the future. The King welcomed us back whenever we wished to visit, no prior warning needed, which I thought was sweet, and spoke a lot of how they perceived us (even after I learned Glenys had taken Oropher to task about putting heroism into my head!). She was a funny old thing, who told things 'as they were', whether you wanted to hear it or not.

I could hardly contain my joy for both her and Kimbela when we were greeted by several, smiling faces, two being Glorfindel and Haldir - Kimbela was especially pleased about his surprise arrival. I watched for a moment as my sisters were lifted from their horses and embraced like they had just returned from the Halls of Mandos.

"~Welcome back lady Gunda.~" Elrond's bright eyes could smile on their own, so the fact he was actually smiling as well only made his presence grander.

"Mellon nín!" I beamed back, sliding off Mithril and accepting Elrond's warm hug. "~Thank you, it is good to be back.~" I glanced behind me to see Glenys and Glorfindel had already vanished, and Haldir was lost in conversation with Kimbela and Thalion (who was leaving for Mithlond the next morning).

"~They will be fine, come, you must be thirsty after your journey.~"

"~Mm, some of your famous elderflower drink sounds like it will hit the spot.~"

"~Well you're in luck. We made some only yesterday.~"

I flashed him a pleased grin as we came to the open dining area overlooking the valley. He returned it with a knowing nod.

"~There is someone here who has awaited your arrival for some time now.~" He gestured to the balcony where a tall, slim figure with flowing silver gold hair and dressed in white stood. My eyes widened as she turned to greet me with an excited countenance.

"Celebrían!"

"Gunda! Mellon!" She warbled with glee, sprinting (well more like dancing) across the marble floor to wrap her arms around me. "~Oh my dearest friend! I've missed you so much!~" She mumbled into my shoulder while I near wept into hers for joy.

"~Oh I have missed you too! I do apologise for my tatty appearance, I only arrived a moment ago.~"

Celebrían looked at Elrond with a well schooled expression, though I knew inside they were both screaming with joy to be around each other. It warmed my heart to see their secret displays of affection towards each other as he suggested we go and see to my bath while he prepared something for us to nibble on when we returned. Celebrían's hair practically floated in the air as she nodded enthusiastically and dragged me away to the bathing house.

"~I have so many questions but I shan't ask, for I shall surely hear all about it over dinner. We have more important things to discuss!~" She trilled, bouncing with excitement.

"~Oh?~"

"~Yes, while Glenys will need to be present for the actual planning of her wedding, it will be up to thee, me and Kimbela to plan her bridal shower.~"

Normal.

"~Yes!~" I grinned, suddenly as giddy as she was at the prospect of doing something not related to fighting.

x x x

Glenys and Glorfindel raced each other to the Bruinen, although one couldn't say it was a fair race, for one was always stopping to let the other catch up. Glenys' heart raced so fast she felt her heart might be found running ahead of her.

"~Got you!~"

She let out a shrill, excited cackle of laughter as her lover swung her around in circles. She knotted her fingers in his golden hair and kissed him with such ardent need Glorfindel almost forgot how to stand!

"~Now I am content!~"

"~What do you mean?~" She asked, planting another kiss on his forehead before he let her down onto her feet. She still held onto him, fearful he might drift away. A daft notion, but she feared it all the same. Glorfindel brushed a stray strand from her face, though no smile was present on his lips, she could see it in the aura that he surrounded himself with. Pure, glorious happiness.

"~I have felt your skin against mine, after what felt like an unbearable eternity. You, my love, have returned safe. I thank the Valar you are all returned to us.~"

"~I was in no real danger.~" She sighed, turning to hide her remorse at the fact that she was now only realising that Gunda had been in far more danger than she. That in her need to get back to him, she had blocked out that grim fact.

To hide the fact she had been momentarily stumped, she decided a dip in the river was what she needed. Perhaps the cool water would clear her head. Stepping forwards, she began undressing.

"~Glenys! What in the name of the Valar are you doing?~" Glorfindel stammered, unable to believe his eyes (and quickly averting them for decency's sake).

"~Going for a swim.~" She trilled, giggling when she saw he was all hot and bothered by the thought of her in her undergarments.

"~Glenys put your clothes on! What if we get caught!~"

"~What? It isn't like you're going to steal my virtue so close to us getting married. Everyone knows you have more self restraint than that.~" She lilted, sliding into the water with a cold refreshing shiver barreling up her spine.

"~Do they now? What if I were to tell you my 'great' self restraint is hanging on by a mere thread?~"

Glenys' devious side sparked to life. Nibbling her top lip in teasing 'come-hither' manner she turned to look her fiancé in the face and stated grandly;

"~Well then my mighty Balrog slayer, you may sit there and watch me.~"

"~Don't play mean my love.~" He pouted, taken aback but drawn in by her coquettish display as she swam further away, enticing him to follow with her playful eyes.

"~Then join me. They have never stated a couple cannot have some fun, just so long as they leave consummating their love until after the wedding feast.~"

"~Some don't even wait until then.~" Glorfindel grinned, pulling his shirt over his head.

"~Now who's being mean.~" She whined playfully as Glorfindel waded in after her, capturing her lithe body in his arms. Wrapping her legs around his toned waist to lever herself out of the water a bit, she pulled him close to kiss him once again, feeling the millions of excited butterflies take flight in her gut, feeling alive, feeling such joy and love like never before in her bleak life on earth. He had given her life, and she was damned if she would loose that all to an Orc blade, or another fatal accident that would send her back to that hospital bed. Back to gloom and walking a forever shadowy path, for nothing could compare to the sunshine he brought to her.

"~My love?~"

"~Yes?~" She sniffed, only realising the warm tear that trickled down her cheek when he wiped it away with his thumb. "~Sorry.~" She croaked, turning her face away to hide her stupid emotions.

"~What is it Glenys?~" His tone filled with concerned fear for her sudden disquiet. She feared loosing him, above all else, she feared the day he would no longer be in her life.

"Anarnya." His use of her pet name was her undoing.

"~Never leave me…Don't let me go back!~" She begged, lowering her head into the crook of his neck.

Glorfindel held her tight and secure, running his wet fingers through her hair as he gently cooed to her, calming her jittery nerves. She wept profusely into his shoulder, whimpering 'Don't let me go back, I never want to wake up!'

"~My Love, look at me.~"

She took some coaxing, but he eventually got her to look him in the eyes. "~You are going nowhere. You are here, with me and your sisters and people who care about you. No one here will willingly send you back.~"

"~Glorfindel I-~"

"~Sh.~" He silenced her with a kiss so gentle her heart trembled. "~I won't let you go back. I promise.~"

"~We were in such unpredictable circumstances…Gunda fought a fucking Nazgûl! She might not have returned! I was petrified for her…then I shouted at her. I could have lost you, I could have lost them!~"

"~Glenys. You didn't. But shouting at Gunda was not the nicest thing to do - and I hope you apologised for that.~" Through her tearful state he could tell she had not, so he made a mental note to remind her to do so. "~But you are all here and safe, and you seem to have learned that is no longer a path you wish to follow.~"

"~But Gunda-~"

"~You can't control her. She's more capable than you give her credit for.~"

Glenys closed her eyes in dismay, berating herself for her hasty actions. "~I think I fucked up.~"

"~I can neither say yay or nay on that one love, you do not always articulate yourself the best.~"

"~How did you get stuck with me?~"

"~Because I chose you, silly. Flaws and all, as you did me.~"

Glenys snorted, though she couldn't deny she felt heart warmed and chuffed at his statement. "~You have no flaws.~"

"~Oh really?~"

Her eyes widened when she realised she had just challenged him to prove her wrong.

"~No! Nonono!~" She shrieked, as Glorfidel lifted her high above his head…and cast her further into the river.

x x x

I awoke with a violent start, not remembering having fallen asleep. The sun was still in the sky, and I found myself wondering if I was in Greenwood still, and whether it was morning or afternoon?

My mind buzzed with vivid images of death, and in frustration I grabbed a pillow and hurtled it at my door. It was nowhere near hitting anything, but it somehow made me feel better. I lay on my back, pondering like I often did after one of those nightmares. I wondered why the sight of blood now haunted me. I had not always been like that, but then again, I had never had to spill human blood before. Over the past fortnight I had slowly grown disgusted with myself for it - the violence. I craved normality so much now, having tasted it in the nomadic camp, that I detested myself for spilling blood so easily. It had not suppressed my grim determination to help the free races however, simply forced me to think of another way - a more diplomatic solution perhaps? Orc packs were sizzling out anyway now that the watchers at the boarders of Gondor and Arnor where well established.

The fear of red aside, now there was a new matter plaguing my mind. I had felt guilty over bringing Glenys and Kimbela East, but the more I thought on it, the more I realised Glenys was wrong. I had NEVER asked her, or Kimbela, to join me. To go East or on Orc hunts. They had always had that choice, maybe that was why Kimbela had hesitated when speaking to Glenys, I wasn't sure, but I recalled feeling very hurt upon realising Glenys saw me as a blood thirsty child.

"~Gunda, dinner is ready.~"

Celebrían's voice was the answer to all my questions - well, some of them. Rivendell. Evening. I sat up, and felt my stomach lurch unexpectedly. My hand flew to my mouth in case I involuntarily threw up from the nightmarish images that still swam about my mind.

"~Are you okay in there?~"

I didn't answer. Was I okay? Apart from being dragged through hell every time I shut my eyes.

"~Gunda?~" She asked, cracking the door open and popping her head inside.

"~Yes, I'm on my way…just a little disorientated after my snooze is all.~" I smiled at her, getting to my feet as steadily as possible and reaching for her outstretched hand.

"~Glenys promises tales like none heard before.~" She beamed, linking arms with me. I wanted to fade into the background. Haldir was going to kill us.

"~Yay?~"

"~You don't sound too enthusiastic about it Gunda, are you sure you are alright?~" Celebrían was too observant for my own good. I nodded and thankfully she let it go - for now.

The dining room was filled with welcoming familiar faces, and in the corner near Elrond's end of the room, Lindir played the harp. He was very talented, and he nodded as I passed.

"~It's good to have you back!~" He whispered, making me feel warm inside.

"~Hey! Gunda!~" Another friendly voice piped up from behind me, and I turned to face the golden haired ellon with a wide grin plastered to my face.

"Glorfindel!" I greeted him and he wrapped me up in a tight friendly hug. "~How have you been?~" I asked once he let me go from his bear hug and he shrugged nonchalantly.

"~Much the same I must admit. Though I hear you fought a Nazgûl. Do tell.~" His eyes lit up with an excited gleam I thought only giggling school girls possessed.

"~Um…yes…I did. Glenys told you didn't she?~" I suddenly felt the desire to clobber her for opening her mouth. Then again, I had not asked them to keep it a secret, only the news about Morgoth following my brief explanation to them.

"~Only that you fought with him.~" He admitted, walking me to my seat while Glenys passed us to get to her own. She was dressed for the evening and smiled happily.

"~Well, it wasn't half as glorious as fighting a balrog, I'll tell you that.~" I shrugged.

"~Well you are still alive, so you win there.~" He joked, pulling out my chair for me to sit in before excusing himself and going to sit with Glenys on the other side of Elrond and Celebrían.

I had barely sat down for a second when another familiar voice called for my attention.

Haldir came and sat beside me with a beaming Kimbela on his other side. I flashed her a look as if to say 'Have you told him?'. She nodded, grinning like a love struck moron all over again.

"~I know what you two are doing, you needn't keep it a secret.~" Haldir huffed, taking Kimbela's hand in his and kissing it. Kimbela leaned into her husband and whispered something into his ear. He turned to me and pinned me with a stern gaze. I swallowed. All he was missing was his filleting knife.

"~Kimbela wishes for me to assure you that I am not about to flay you, or your sister.~" He stated matter-of-factly. "~I am well aware it was her choice to go, and if I flay anyone, it will be that man who tried to slit her throat.~" Haldir's tone dipped dangerously at the mention of Kasim, but he still smiled at me with that familiar warm love. I felt the knot in my stomach loosen. Relieved to hear he understood.

Elrond welcomed everyone to dinner, and made special mention of our safe return - to which everyone raised a glass and cheered. The feasting commenced and bless them, Elrond had remembered our favourite dish! Spiced crispy duck, steamed vegetables with warm blueberry soup to follow. We had tremendous fun explaining to Kimbela all about how children grew (after she told our host obviously) Celebrían could hardly contain her excitement and had run to give her a congratulatory hug. We spoke of the Greenwood court, and how different the Silvans of Greenwood were to those residing in Lorien. No one asked for details about the Easterlings, they were content with knowing the trip had been a success, which was a nice change.

"~So, what happens next?~" Erestor asked innocently, not knowing that my sisters planed to go their own ways, and that I secretly knew of it. "~I think we can safely say Kimbela will be taking it easy for the next while.~"

Kimbela, who was fading again, nodded and stifled a yawn. "~Yes. I want to focus on my family now. My whole family, you two numpties included.~" She added, gazing happily in my direction.

"~I like the idea of taking things easy.~" Glenys lilted, smiling at Glorfindel, though she looked a little awkward, thinking I knew nothing still.

"~And you Gunda?~" I looked to Erestor, not realising I had let myself drift off.

"~I am…I'm not sure. The East has given me much to deliberate over, but thankfully that will be the last big drama of the century.~" I said tactfully. The pleased look on Erestor's face, and many others, spoke a lot about their hope for peace. And relative peace they would have…for maybe eighty years or so?

"~That sounds promising.~" Elrond offered, raising his glass to me, yet I spied a wary spark in his eyes. I nodded reassuringly.

"~Indeed. I have much to look forward to over the coming years.~" I smiled at my sisters in turn, and the feast resumed to its cheery atmosphere.

x x x

The next few days were lovely and warm, and I spent much of my time embroidering scenes of flowers and butterflies with Celebrían. We spoke of how her parents fared, Galadriel was looking forward to seeing us, and Celeborn had apparently found a stash of books he thought I might find interesting. We were due to depart for Lorien within the week, and we were all three super excited. I longed for the serene peace that realm offered. I could wander through the Mallyrn trees, and feel wave after wave of calm wash over me. It was a place of healing after all, and Valar knew, I needed to heal. For as days grew brighter and happier, the nights were the polar opposite.

I sat bolt upright, leaned over the side of the bed and threw up. Again and again until my stomach had nothing more to give.

"Fuck…" I groaned, lying on my side in a cold sweat, my breath shaking to the point my lips quivered and I sounded like a whimpering cub. I had imagined the war. The lives lost. The lives of those I cared for. I couldn't put my weapons away for good when that still loomed ahead!

Once my stomach had settled, I grabbed the towel and small basin I used to wash my face in, and cleaned up, not wanting to be a bother to anyone, to wake them up because of my nightmares. It was bad enough I had to deal with them, let alone everyone else too!

I took the soiled towel out to the bathroom and washed everything. I hung the towel up and went to return to bed where I most likely wouldn't sleep again, when I heard bare feet slapping the stone hall floor outside my room, and hushed voices whispering urgently. I grabbed my over robe and dashed outside.

It wasn't much consolation to see I wasn't the only one throwing up. Haldir and Glenys stood outside Kimbela's room, both looking anxious as an elleth quickly slipped out carrying, funnily enough, towels in a basin.

"~Whats happening?~" I asked, resting my hand on a nervous Haldir's arm. His head jerked to look at me, I gave him an apologetic look for startling him but nodded towards his half closed door. Inside, I heard the sound of retching, and Elrond's soft voice soothing her.

"~She is very sick. We do not know for sure what it is, if she caught it in the East or-~"

"~But she was ill before we got to the camp!~" I exclaimed, looking to Glenys who worried at her lip.

"~She is worse now.~"

My gut recoiled hearing that along with the loud retching from inside Kimbela and Haldir's room. I swore.

"~Is there anything we can do?~"

They both shook their heads.

"~Elrond is with her. He will let us know.~"

It was a long wait, and none of us slept for the rest of the night. Elrond worked tirelessly throughout, and it was near half three in the morning when he finally called myself, Glenys and Haldir to his office, where he explained she was lacking some strange combination of vitamins and minerals, it was not life threatening, but she would have a miserable year ahead. Well that was just the news any friend or family member wanted to hear, however, there was a remedy. All three of us leaned forward in our chairs to hear what the yet-to-be-lord of Imladris had to say.

"~There is a herb I am aware of that can subside her symptoms, currently being grown for medicinal use in Mithlond.~" He named some strange plant I didn't care to try and repeat, and Glenys nodded.

"~I know which plant you're on about, used for chronic nausea. We have lots of the herb, growing and dried, ready to be made into tea.~"

It was becoming quickly apparent someone was going to have to go to Mithlond, on the double, and there was no hesitation in me when I volunteered without so much as a second thought.

"~I'll go. I have business in Mithlond anyway.~" My fingertips touching the shell still strung around my neck.

Glenys' head whipped around to look at me in semi disbelief. I ignored her, confirming I had to go and get my sketch book with wedding dress designs in it - which was also true. Something I had kept from Kimbela's wedding when we struggled and despaired over what she wanted to wear. Haldir's hand came to rest on mine, and he uttered a quiet 'Thank you' to me, gratitude colouring his voice.

I wasted no time getting changed and packing the essentials I would need - which somehow included my photo, Gil-Galad's letter and the precious stone in its carven box. I didn't know why I packed it, I just did.

"Gee, don't go yet. Wait till the sun is up." Glenys' worried voice spoke as I strapped Aegluin around my waist. I had decided to bite the bullet and bring her with me - just incase. I hoped I wouldn't need to use her. I looked at my sister with growing annoyance.

"So what? So you can decide whether come with me?" I remarked in a patronizing tone.

"Yes…no…I-what if you run into orcs!" She 'reasoned' because her point was rather invalid.

"Oh give it up Glenys!" I snapped, my patience running low. Kimbela needed that herb, yet here Glenys stood, trying to delay my departure. She stood in my way as I tried to leave my room, and I growled at her;

"Let's not have a repeat of Lorien. Shall we?"

Her eyes widened at my warning and threat. My blood began to simmer at her behaviour. Preaching one thing but practicing another.

"Gunda I just want you to stop and think." She wasn't moving out of my way, and I would have shoved her if I hadn't remembered the last time we got up in each others faces.

"You said you don't want to babysit me anymore, so don't." I snapped again, and she looked at me in bewilderment.

"What?"

"Don't play stupid I overheard you in Greenwood. You want to settle down, so does Kimbela. Great. Do so. But don't EVER make me out as the bad guy who dragged you through the bowels of hell Glenys. I NEVER forced you to join the orc hunts or going east and I never expected you to 'babysit' me, that choice was always yours. And always will be. You had NO RIGHT TO MAKE ME FEEL GUILTY OVER THIS!"

Glenys looked stunned. I shook, tears spilling down my cheeks, my bag dropping off my shoulder and landing with a soft thud.I looked at her, unsure what to make of her sad, perplexed expression. Her dark eyes hid something, her reason for being like she was, and it infuriated me that I couldn't decipher it.

"If you really hated killing orcs that much then you could have quit at any time - ANY TIME - and I would have respected that. You, while walking around in a public garden, made me sound like some childish imbecile who requires a chaperone!"

"I'm sorry." Her voice cracked bitterly, her bottom lip beginning to quiver too.

"You fucking should be!" I wailed, bursting into tears.

Glenys came and held me close while I cried on her shoulder.

"No matter what your reason is Glenys, I will always respect it. It doesn't matter if it's because you simply can't be arsed, but don't blame me for it!"

I felt her take a deep breath, then with as steady a tone she could muster, she said;

"I can't loose him Gee. I can't loose you, any of you. I can't risk screwing up and dying and being sent back to the cold existence I know awaits me back on earth. I have a good life here, we all do, and I don't want to throw it away. Yes I want to settle down, but I don't want to risk one mistake, one miscalculation that will take all of this away from me. You were never a burden, or a child that needed looking after, and I'm sorry I made you out to be one- I just…I don't want to loose any of this."

Her upfront truth was like a saving light, but I felt a painful pang all the same. I squeezed her, letting her know I understood - for I did. The important men in her life had left, one way or another. Glorfindel was everything good in the world to her.

"I understand that Glenys. I promise I'll be careful." I said, standing back to look at her properly. Worry still fluttered around her, but she nodded. "We'll talk about this properly when I bring the herbs to Lorien, but right now our priority is Kimbela."

Glenys flashed a weak smile. "You're too good to me Gee, for understanding." She said as we walked to the courtyard where Glorfindel and Elrond had saddled Mithril for me.

"Understand this Glenys. The future is not straight forward. Hard times are ahead, and I want to help in any way I can. I know I can help them. Orc hunting is over - I agree with you there - but if those manky gits come after me or anyone I care for, you can bet your bottom dollar they will regret that decision." I declared, pulling my still worried sister into a final hug.

Glorfindel looked between us and offered us a comforting smile before helping me up, whispering a quiet 'thank you' as I settled in the saddle. Elrond then approached me with concern in his eyes which made me worry slightly. For he, like his grandmother Idril Celebrindal, was far-sighted. So I heeded his warning not to stop - for anything - beyond the Brandywine river.

I waved goodbye to a poorly Kimbela, supported by Celebrían, who were standing on a balcony above me, as Kimbela had insisted on seeing me off, as I clattered out the courtyard, over the bridge and out of the friendly home of Elrond Half-elven.

I rode hard and fast, past the Trollshaws, over the Last Bridge by the end of the first day, stopping to water and rest Mithril often. I reckoned I would make it to Mithlond in just under a week if I kept this pace. I met a few familiar faces as I passed through the land, the remaining (and thriving) of The Faithful, who offered me shelter when night fell. They spoke of how the boarders were strong and holding, which made me glad, but alas I couldn't stay nor stop by Amon Sûl to visit Elendil.

The journey went well, until Mithril got a stone lodged in her hoof just as we approached the White Downs. I remembered Elrond's warning, but Mithril would go lame if I didn't remove the stone from her hoof. If she went lame I was definitely in trouble, but I was far beyond the river by now, so I hoped I would be okay. So pulling into the side of the road, all too aware of the fog that was descending from the hill tops, I dismounted and went about dislodging the sharp stone from the hoof wall. She whinnied in discomfort, her distressed bray echoing through the Downs. I rubbed her neck, soothing her as best I could, but it was not enough. The rock had been long and sharp, penetrating deep into her hoof, and any hope of avoiding her going lame was dashed.

She limped slowly beside me as I led her through the foggy hills. Even with my enhanced vision I could barely see ten meters ahead of me. The eerie silence all around us made me overly nervous. I flinched at the slightest sound, looking all around me for any sign of danger. My back didn't indicate anything evil near, which while it was some comfort, was not entirely appeasing. The air around me seemed to be alive, like I could feel the molecules buzzing around me. The denser the fog grew, the more aware I became of the feeling of water in the air.

"~We'll get there soon Mithril.~" I whispered, offering her the last apple from my backpack. I began to hum to myself, to ease my nerves, when the strangest thing happened. The air around me vibrated, and the fog began to thin. I hummed again, a lower note, and the fog returned, thicker than before. I stopped, pressing into Mithril. I tried again, but a higher note this time, and the fog lifted swiftly from the ground. Vanishing entirely. I didn't know what to make of that, and slowly freaked out, but I moved on quickly, relieved that at least now I could see where I was going.

My heart beat picked up when I saw the hills fall away to reveal a small wooded area on the left, and the plains of Lindon, the home stretch!

"~We're almost there Mithril!~" I chimed.

Only Mithril didn't share my jubilation. Out of nowhere a volley of arrows flew through the air. With a yelp I lunged forwards, pulling Mithril with me. Mithril let out a startled whinny that stopped midway though, and I heard her fall to the ground. It took me a moment to register she was dead. I turned and pulled on the reins, crying at her to get up, realising as I did that an arrow protruded from her eye. The sudden shock of loosing my long standing companion rendered a shrill cry from me, and I was shocked back into reality when something sharp grazed my hip. I was still in range of whoever was attacking me. With a heavy heart, I let go of Mithril's reins for the last time and fled for the cover of the little wood, as triumphant whoops sounded behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I noticed a band of men - bandits - come running from their hiding places among the rock formations that scattered the hillsides.

Though I was enraged, my fear was greater, and I didn't stop running until I was deep within the trees. Scurrying up one of the trees, I hid in the canopy, watching the bandits as they swarmed the woodland floor, searching for me. Hopefully they would not look up. With no bow, and no quick escape, I was pretty much a sitting duck. I could fight my way to freedom, but as I rested my hand on Aegluin's hilt, I felt the sting of repugnance at spilling blood unnecessarily. They were vagabonds, yes, but not servants of evil. I couldn't bring myself to kill them. As long as they thought I had kept running through the woods, I would be safe. I just had to wait it out, and once they were gone, I would run to Mithlond. Wishful thinking I know, but it was the best plan I had. Sit, and wait, and pray they didn't stick around.

x x x

Mithlond.

"~My Lord, you have received a letter.~" Ondo said, extending the parchment to his King.

"~Thank you Lord Ondo.~" Gil-Galad said, not looking up from the report he was currently engrossed in. "~I shall read it presently.~"

Gil-Galad was in an uplifted mood, and had been for a few weeks now. Following the successful meeting where the council finally saw sense and agreed to recognise the girls by their maturity rather than earthly years. It was a weight off his mind that his friend could marry Glenys without fear of reproach for finding love. From the corner of his eye he saw Ondo still standing there.

"~Have the kitchens approved the menu for King Elendil's arrival?~"

"~They have, and are preparing it as we speak, however my Lord, this letter is from Elrond, and appears to be urgent.~"

At this, the High-King glanced up at the rolled up letter bound with a red ribbon. His eyes widened for a moment as he took it from his councillor and opened it.

Gil-Galad read, then re-read the letter from Elrond, his brain going blank yet somehow functioning on overdrive at the same time.

"~Today is the 21st, is it not?~"

"~It is my Lord.~"

He looked at the date the letter had been sent, and the date on which Gunda had apparently left Rivendell on horseback.

"~Lord Ondo, call the guard and have them ready to leave within half an hour.~"

The Lord was taken aback by the kings sudden need for action. What could be so dire news as to leave on the double?

"~Is your herald in danger My Lord?~"

"~No, but Lady Gunda is.~" The High-King said, leaving the room, practically shedding his long formal robes, preparing to get changed into his armour. Ondo frowned at the door for a brief moment, then glanced at the letter his King had left on the table. Against his better judgment, he peaked at the piece of paper.

" My Lord King,

I write to you on a matter of great urgency. A vision came to me of the Lady Gunda. She left here on Thursday, 14th riding Mithril. She travels alone and though she missed the original threat I foresaw, it has been replaced by another. If she has not reached you by the 20th, I fear she will have fallen into great danger. "

There was more, but Ondo had read enough to know if the soldiers weren't ready in fifteen minutes, he would have a very pissed off and worried King on his hands, and he would rather avoid that at all costs.

In a record twenty one minutes, the High-King and a troop of his best guards were mounted and riding out of Mithlond, heading for White Downs, and the small wood Elrond had described. Gil-Galad's heart pounded in his chest all the while. He prayed he would not be too late.

They reached the final crest that led to the woods, and as they came over it, Gil-Galad's heart stopped dead. A tree was quickly going up in flames, only recently set alight, and with his keen eyesight, he spied movement in the canopy.

Urging the company on at full speed, he watched with horror as the familiar figure of Gunda leapt from the trees height, landing on the ground and rolling as many, many figures of men emerged from the woods depths, pursuing her with maniacal cackles of laughter as she tried to flee.

"Gunda!" The High-King's voice was a roar of alarm, and a war cry. Angry and unyielding, unforgiving at the group of mercenaries who gathered around her. She drew her sword and swung it aimlessly around her, attempting to intimidate them.

He was not close enough.

The first man went for her, and she struck, injuring him, but nothing substantial. The same figure drew his own sword and in three powerful blows, had disarmed her and taken her feet out from under her.

Raising his lance, Gil-Galad threw Aeglos. His aim true and range far, it struck the mans leg, effectively pinning him to the spot so he could cause no further damage to her. Shouts of alarm and battle cries ensued as the armed bandits clashed with the elven host. Drawing his own sword, Gil-Galad engaged in the fight. His eye constantly trained on Gunda.

Upon seeing the king charging toward her, Gunda shed her previous timidness with her blade, and as though suddenly fuelled by some great energy, she drew Aeglos from the mans leg, and began wielding it simultaneously with her sword. Fighting with the ferocity she was well renowned for.

Gil-Galad made it his goal to reach her, despite feeling pride well in his chest seeing her mastery of a skill he had taught her. He stabbed and slashed his way through the onslaught of bodies. A company of eight mounted elves was a force to be reckoned with, but the men numbered close to fifty, all of whom wielded a weapon of sort.

Gunda made a mad dash for a couple of archers she saw taking aim for her King, and with a cry worthy of terrifying recognition, she slew them without a second thought with spear and sword, teeth gritted together in grim determination that none would harm her King. None.

The elven host was suddenly joined by another as Elendil, who had been making his way to Mithlond, had spied the struggle, and wasted no time in offering his aid. With the men outnumbered, those who remained were rounded up and quickly identified as mercenaries that had recently terrorised Gondor and had a heavy price on their heads.

Gil-Galad leaped from his saddle and rushed to a now collapsed Gunda, weapons lying on the ground either side of her, her chest heaved as she looked, dazed, at her hands in disbelief. Gil-Galad knelt before her, taking her shoulders in his hands, jolting her from where ever her mind had wondered to and she gazed at him with a mix of horror and relief in her golden brown eyes.

"Ereinion!" She gasped, falling forwards into his arms as the unusual frenzy that emanated from her chest sizzled out. "~I'm sorry! I didn't mean to kill them…only disarm! I don't know what came over me please forgive me.~"

"~Gunda Gunda Gunda, what are you on about?~" He asked, looking down at her while still holding her now trembling body to him.

"~I swear I didn't mean to kill them.~" Her breath shook as much as she did. Gil-Galad could not understand her need to apologise for defending herself!

"~I saw them aim for you…they were going to kill you. I couldn't let them…~" She gripped a hold of his shoulder, unable to finish her sentence. Gil-Galad slowly grasped the meaning behind her strange ramblings. She had feared for him, she had stood and fought for him. He felt her trembling subside slightly, replaced by heaviness as she began slipping from consciousness.

"~We need to get you to Mitelu.~" He decided, calling Thalion over to gather the weapons and backpack she had discarded a few meters away, then picking her up with little to no effort, he carried her to his horse.

"~Are you okay?~" Her tired voice was like a hollow wind in a cave, her half lidded eyes holding something the King could not discern at that moment. He worried for her loss in weight which he felt now that he held her, for the dark circles under her eyes - eyes haunted with experiences gained during her time away. What had happened to her? His heart clenched at the notion that anything untoward had befallen her. He was almost inclined to never let her out of his sight again, but reined in his fear and curiosity. He had let her make her own choices thus far, he was not about to take that freedom from her, no matter how fervently he cared for her.

"~I am fine Gunda.~" He reassured her softly, lifting her up onto the saddle and climbing on behind her.

"~I couldn't let them…I couldn't let them…~" Her voice faded from a whisper into nothing as she fainted. Gil-Galad held her to him as he turned, giving a thankful nod towards Elendil, who looked at the unconscious girl with concern.

"~Will the little lady be alright?~" He inquired, eyeing her assailants with displeasure. Gil-Galad shook his head.

"~I cannot say.~" And with that, he excused himself and rode home with haste.

x x x

Gunda awoke to find herself in her old room. The familiar walls and airy atmosphere were most welcoming as she slowly emerged from what she could only describe as the land of the dead. A tired and dreamless sleep, which she considered a good thing. She lay on her back, casting her eyes to the banners that hung on the walls, the book shelves that harboured more shells than books and on the chair by the open window, was her fiddle. She couldn't help but smile to be back home. Safe, and it didn't surprise her to notice that she was washed and in clean clothes. Her shoulder ached, and upon inspection she found it bandaged. A wound from an arrow fired at her as she had tried to escape through the tree tops.

She recalled, vaguely, the attack by the White Downs and shivered. One moment late. Had she been but one moment late, and it could have spelled doom for the Ñoldor, for Middle-Earth, had Gil-Galad been brought down by an arrow. She was not so much terrified for the sight of blood in that moment, unless it had been his. Groaning in exasperation at the whirl of confusing feelings, she dragged her hands down her face. Couldn't her stupid brain just decide whether or not she was afraid or not? Protect the free races, but the moment he came into the picture, it was defend him at all costs.

'Stupid stupid STUPID!' She scolded herself, not noticing the door open with a soft click.

"~Gunda, you're awake!~"

Gunda turned her head and her smile could have lit the room. "Berilwen!" She sang, sitting up to receive the hug her mother of sorts offered her. Berilwen clutched her 'baby girl' close - though she would admit to no one she saw the girls as her own daughters. She brushed her fingers through Gunda's hair, kissing her head while barely holding back tears of fearful joy.

"~Oh my girl. We have been so worried about you!~"

"~I know, I'm sorry.~"

"~Promise me Gunda, promise me you won't leave me like that again, or Gil-Galad, he was so worried for you.~" Berilwen said, leaning back to behold the apologetic looking girl with a loving, motherly smile. She ran her hand down Gunda's thin face. "~When did you last eat?~"

"~Properly, was in Rivendell. I didn't stop on the journey…then I was in those trees for…two days at least.~"

Berilwen nodded. "~Right. Well the King wished to be notified the moment you woke up, but I think you should eat before you do anything.~"

"~Where is the king?~" Gunda failed to hide her evident need to know in her tone.

"~With King Elendil. They have been discussing boring subjects like trade for the better part of the evening.~" She said, her tone hinting that it was indeed a boring meeting.

"~Oh. Riveting.~" Gunda echoed her tone but smiled. Pleased that he was well.

An ardent scratching came at the door, causing Gunda to jump in her skin slightly as the door was pushed open by an eager Haun. With a loud bark he bounded past Berilwen, who's alarmed orders of 'Gently!' were duly ignored in favour of leaping upon the bed and crashing into Gunda's open arms.

"~Not on the bed!~" Berilwen scolded the hound, but even Gunda ignored her in favour for greeting Haun.

"~Buddy! Come here you! Who's a good boy?~" She cooed, scratching the grey wolf-hound lovingly and accepting his wet dog kisses with laughter. Berilwen gave up, happy to see Gunda so spritely and so soon after having woken up.

x x x

"~I thought you might be hiding here.~"

Gunda, who had been sitting on the marble bench under the fading cherry blossoms, jumped to her feet, curtsying to her Lord as he wandered onto the viewing stand where pale pink petals fluttered in the breeze around them, around her - a vision of summer itself. His eyes drifting over her, hair a coppery fire ignited by the setting sun, lips set in a shy smile and eyes bright. Her midnight blue dress hanging ever so loosely around her frame where once it had hugged her curves.

"~It's the best place to clear ones mind. I find I have a lot to contemplate.~" Gunda admitted as they sat down together, turning her gaze out towards the sea.

"~About what My Lady?~" Gil-Galad's concern and curiosity getting the better of him, he did not wish to overwhelm her, but she answered him with a sigh.

"~Who I was, when I first came here…and what I've become.~" Her tone was drenched with a darkness that greatly unsettled the king. "~The East taught me a lot about myself.~"

"~And what might that be Gee?~"

"~That I want peace.~" She admitted, looking him dead in the eyes to prove, perhaps to her self as well, that that was her desire, her goal. She bit her lip nervously, knowing she had no one else to blame for the confusing state she now found herself in. And the more she thought on it now, the more she realised just how much he had tried to guide her back to the path of sanity. Those walks in the garden, or on the beach when he should have been reading boring documents on trade. She was sure he much preferred the walks, but the fact remained that he had sacrificed hours of sleep catching up on the blasted paperwork. The evenings he spent listening to her ramble on about trivial things, or to new music she had composed and when he simply sat and listened to her spew forth her worries. She had done the same for him, but she felt guilty for not understanding his hints towards a more peaceful way of life.

"~ I don't want to live to kill, I don't want to go down this path I have somehow strayed onto, where action is my first reaction. I still want to help, that will never change. But I need to find myself again, and then I might know how I can achieve the that peace I want." Her voice was almost distant, revealing how afraid she was, of her personal task ahead, of coming to terms with her reckless actions. It brought hope to her heart when Gil-Galad took her clasped hands in his, rubbing his thumbs in soothing circles.

"~And you shall find that peace Gunda.~" He whispered encouragingly, eyes bright with positivity. She chuckled to herself, at her incredible luck to still have her best friend by her side.

"~ I am truly sorry for ignoring your advice, for not listening to you when you were only looking out for me. And thank you for letting me find out for myself. It is a hard lesson learned well. I do not expect your immediate forgiveness, no matter how ardently I may wish for it. I only hope one day you will understand my human need to learn the hard way.~" She sucked in her bottom lip, feeling an unknown weight had lifted from her chest.

Gil-Galad's head tilted as he regarded her with acute fondness. She needn't wait for his forgiveness. He understood that while he knew the woman he loved was still there, buried under mounds of confusion, she needed time to re-discover that bright girl who cared deeply but conducted herself with wisdom.

"~I also want to say…I understand why you made that bargain, and I forgive you. Not that you have anything to be sorry for to begin with. Back then you didn't expect me to...well...grow to care for you as much as I do."

Gil-Galads heart skipped a beat. Had she just admitted to still harbouring those feelings for him?

"~As for ten years ago, I respect your reasons or choice. Please do not feel guilty on my account-~"

"~There is no guilt on your part, Gunda.~" He interrupted before she continued talking for forever. "~There were ethical issues raised by the council then.~"

Gunda frowned. "~Ethical issues?~"

Gil-Galad nodded in a 'tell me about it' manner. "~They could not agree on how best to consider your age. And a decade ago they considered you all children.~"

Her eyebrows almost flew off her face with utter shock. "~So?~"

"~It didn't matter that I returned your feelings, I would not have been able to act upon them. It would have c-~"

"~Caused a scandal.~" She finished, nodding her head in slow realisation. She felt her heart murmur when she realised he had returned her feelings, to some extent anyway.

"~Sadly yes. And I made the situation no better by not explaining that to you properly.~"

"~No…you didn't, did you.~" Suddenly, she could no longer keep a straight face, her outright laughter intriguing and baffling the king.

"~My apologies, but since when were children allowed to do half the crazy stuff we did!?~"

Gil-Galad joined her in her hearty laughter, agreeing that there had been an inordinate lack of common sense.

"~Sense is not as common as the name would imply!~" He chuckled, making Gunda's sides split.

Feeling uplifted by having gotten everything out in the open, the two went for a stroll arm in arm through the rose garden as the sun set beyond the seas horizon. They discussed a plan to get the herb Gunda had come for to Lorien as soon as possible, for Gil-Galad was not keen on Gunda traveling so soon after her ordeal earlier that day, and to his relief, she agreed. She would not, however, spill the beans on why she needed them, and he pestered her relentlessly before admitting to already knowing.

"~Elrond explained it all in his letter.~"

"~Oh you meanie!~" She gasped, smacking his arm lightly. "~You had me fooled and everything!~"

"~What can I say?~" He shrugged, tone hinting on the flirtatious side. She caught his gaze, and felt a warmth blossom in her chest when she saw the mirth in his eyes. She was beyond glad to know she had not lost him as a friend, though she would not admit to herself that she felt something deep within kindle at the knowledge that he had, and possibly still did, feel something for her. Something more than friendship.

"~Oh yes, that reminds me, I must congratulate you.~" Gil-Galad declared as they stood on the terrace leading to the living room, the night sky dark but speckled with jewel like stars.

"~On what?~" Gunda asked, puzzled when he flashed her a proud grin.

"~On winning our little challenge.~"

"~Oh…which one, remind me.~" She teased, sticking her tongue out at him cheekily. Gil-Galad let out a hearty chuckle, resting his hand overs hers where it still lay in the crook of his arm. They had been close all evening, and he wished to stay up long into the night and talk to her, just be in her presence, but he sensed she was fast fading again as she stifled a yawn.

"~We said twenty seven years for you to master the spear and one other weapon. You achieved that feat in twenty three - If my reckoning is correct.~"

Her soft chortle was like music, tinkling though he air. Then she turned to face him and spoke in earnest.

"~I owe that victory to my teacher.~" She said, lifting his hand to her lips and pressing a reverential kiss on his signet ring. "~You never gave up on me.~"

He clasped her hands in both of his, returning a kiss of his own to her knuckles, promising;

"~And I never shall.~"

Thanks for reading!

Quenya - English

Anarnya - My Sun, meant as an endearing term.

Sindarin - English

Aderthad - reunion, reuniting

Mellon nín - My friend